Your guide to Austin area brewery tours and tastings

(Note: This post is current as of November 2013 when it was updated to reflect some new tour policies as a result of recently passed beer legislation. In light of this legislation, many breweries on the list below may choose to expand their tap room hours and/or adjust their policies in the near future.)

Brewery tours are an excellent way to learn more about your local craft beer scene, sample exclusive small batch brews, and meet new drinkin’ buddies.

Below is our simple, no-frills, all-in-one-place guide to Austin area brewery tours, complete with prices, tasting info and essential facts you need to know about each of these fine local breweries:

Hops & GrainWhen: The Tasting room is open Thursday and Friday from 2 to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Tours are held on Saturdays at 1pm & 3pm.How much: Beers can be purchased by the glass for $2-5 depending on the brew and sample size. On Saturdays there is an option to buy a $10 souvenir pint glass and receive 5 free drink tickets.The vibe: Nice, small tasting room with eclectic bar stools, shares a building with a glass blowing studio and a trapeze studio.

Independence Brewing Co.When: The first Saturday of every month, and every Friday from 4-8pm.How much: First Saturdays include three free samples, or buy a souvenir pint glass for 3 full pints. (Various glassware available starting at $6 at past events.) Friday happy hours are free with beers for sale by the glass.On Fridays, $6 gets you a souvenir pint glass with two fills.The vibe: First Saturdays are one big parking lot party, bring your lawn chairs and sunscreen. Friday happy hours are laid back and typically confined to the tasting room.Additional information: Live music and food trucks on site.

Jester King CraftWhen: Fridays 5-9pm. Saturdays and Sundays from noon-6pm. (Tours at 1:00, 3:00 & 5:00 Sat-Sun and at 5:00 on Fridays.)How much: Tours are now free and beers are available by the glass in various sized pours. Check out the brewery’s website for weekly updates on the tap list.The vibe: Beautiful farmhouse that may seem more reminiscent of a winery than a brewery. Small, air conditioned tap room, seating is outside at shaded picnic tables.Additional information: Live music and food from neighbors Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza each week.

Live Oak Brewing CompanyWhen: Live Oak typically holds a couple tours a month, but they have slowed down in the recent summer months. Check out the Tour page of their website for upcoming events.

Rogness Brewing CompanyWhen: Fridays from 4pm-9pm and Saturdays from 1pm-4pmHow much: Tours are free and beers are for sale by the glass.The vibe: Pflugerville’s first brewery (though just blocks from Austin city limits) large warehouse with a brand new tasting room and beer garden.Additional information: Tickets can be reserved in advance here. Food truck on site each week. Children, pets and lawn chairs welcome.

South Austin Brewing Co.When: By appointment Monday-Saturday or on select “Groovy Sundays.” Check out their calendar here.Additional information: Live music and food trucks on site for Groovy Sunday events.

Thirsty Planet BrewingWhen: Saturdays, tours starting at 11am & 1:30pm. Tasting room open throughout.How much: 3 free samples, or $7 for souvenir glass and 3 full pours.The vibe: Beautiful, clean tasting room with a great bar and ample seating. Additional seating on the patio.Additional information: Reserve tickets ahead of time here. Food trucks and live music onsite most Saturdays.

Twisted X BrewingWhen: Currently located in Cedar Park, Twisted X is in the process of building a larger facility out in Dripping Springs. Check out their Eventbrite page for tours as they are announced.